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Dark Rituals	By : MarianTheBlackadder Category: S through Z > Sherlock Holmes (2009) > Sherlock Holmes (2009) Views: 3327 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I in no way own any rights to or make any profit from Sherlock Holmes the book, the movie, or any other medium concerning these characters. This is a non-profit story for entertainment purposes only.

Chapter List
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Caring for the Wounded
            “You’re lucky this is only a flesh wound, and she didn’t break your skull.” Watson said as he finished placing a few stitches closing the gash that had been made on Holmes head. “Not that you didn’t deserve it for such beastly behavior.”
            “I take full responsibility. I had made the assumption that with the bruises on her person she wasn’t well schooled or was just beginning. Otherwise I wouldn’t have released her and given her a chance to run so that I could tackle and restrain her once again.” Holmes winced slightly as Watson passed over the wound again with disinfectant.
            “So after all of that distasteful behavior, and ungentlemanly conduct . . . was anything accomplished other than her feeling violated and attacked?” The doctor asked.
            Holmes hadn’t gone as far as violating her person, just trying to frighten her enough to cause just enough shock to snap her out of her zombie like behavior. When he had released her during their rather physical struggle, he had expected her to try to escape and he would have to chase her and restrain her again. Much to his dismay, she didn’t retreat but came directly at him smashing him in the head with the first object in her reach. At this point, Watson knew that help was needed and entered quickly subduing her as gently as possible before tending to Holmes.
            “The first step at least.” Holmes said with a sigh. “You heard her cries?” He asked looking at Watson, “You’ll notice her vocabulary changed. She was still calling him Lord Blackwood at first, but near the end of that horrid experience I heard her call for ‘Henry’ more than once.”
            “You were hurting her, she was terrified.” Watson said in a low tone feeling ashamed for having taken part in such a ghastly experiment.
            “The way you brainwash a person is to break them down to nothing, and then rebuild their minds to your own specifications. This means that she still retains her own will, her own thoughts somewhere in the back of her mind. They weren’t destroyed or taken away, or erased. Just pushed back. If we can bring them forward, she might be able to think for herself again.” Holmes speculated.
            “Yes well, after tonight how do you expect her to cooperate with us? Or do you intend to have a repeat performance of that travesty.” The doctor said.
            “Let her rest for now. We’ll begin again tomorrow . . . provided she is still in our custody. I imagine that Blackwood is already hot on her trail and none to happy with either of us at this moment. As we are not only still alive but once again medaling in his affairs. At least that is no doubt how he sees it.” Holmes said watching as Watson put his equipment away.
            “In that case I should probably restock my supplies.” Watson said with a glance towards Holmes.
            “I wasn’t prepared for her,” Holmes said. “She defends herself quite well and it seems that her flight reflex has been somewhat suppressed.” He looked at the doctor. “I think it’s your turn now Watson. She won’t trust me for the time being and will be on her guard.” The inspector admitted touching his head.
            “We’re running out of time.” Watson reminded him. “It seems as though Blackwood’s sources are limitless lately and he will track us down before to long.”
            “Rather fortunate really. Your friend traveling abroad leaving his home vacant. I’d be impressed if Blackwood would think to look here of all places.”
            “What do you propose be done now?” Watson said putting down his tools he’d been using to patch up his friend.
            “She counts you as a close friend, an ally, and a trusted councilor. I might have been counted as some of those things, but not anymore. Your job is to comfort her and give her a feeling of security.” Holmes said.
            “Oh yes, surely that will be such a small feat after you attacked her.” The doctor said sarcastically. Both men were not happy with the conduct with which she had been treated since they brought her with them, but there was nothing else that could be done.
            “I have complete faith in your professional abilities.” Sherlock assured his friend as Watson gave him a look.

Velvet Gloves
            Watson sat across from Katherine after 15 minutes of convincing her that he wouldn’t harm her. “Are you alright?” He asked sincerely concerned for her well being.
            “As well as could be expected. I suppose it’s always the ones you least expect to be fiendish you should watch for. I would have never suspected your friend of being a deviant.” She stated. “He seems more intelligent then a person who would succumb to such uncivilized and animalistic behavior.”
            “Well, you are very beautiful.” Watson said. Katherine gave him a suspicious look, and the doctor quickly held up his hands, “I’m not defending his behavior, but I’m nearly certain it was a contributing factor. Drink had never been an advocate of productivity.”
            ‘True.” Katherine agreed.
            Another moment of uneasy silence passed between them before he attempted again. “Tell me of your husband.” Watson said.
            “What could I possibly tell you about Lord Blackwood that you don’t already know or have already decided.” She said with a sigh. “Drawing more information about the order will only further your chances of someone else succeeding where I failed.”
            “Of course.” He said, “But I have no interest in the order.” Watson said with a definite tone. “Tell me what he’s done to you.” Wanting her to know exactly what he was inquiring about.
            “He’s simply been a good and generous man. He gives me all I need and more then I could ever ask for.” She answered plainly.
            “Freedom?” He asked, “Is he generous with your freedom or is that word unknown to you?”
            Katherine fell silent. “Why do you ask me such questions?” She said in a quiet shallow voice. Watson was purposely calling her attention to the past year, and the events that she more then likely had forgotten about to protect herself. They had to do this is they were to have any hope of restoring her sense of self, free will, and her own thoughts.
            “Start from the beginning. After your son was born.” He said giving her a starting place. Katherine fell silent as her mind started to wonder back.

Harmful Behavior
            “Henry, Please.” Katherine’s voice said weakly as she lay on the floor in a plain and simple grey linen dress. “Please give me some water.” She said between parched lips and a dry throat.
            “Recite for me, and I will give you drink.” Blackwood said sitting on the wooden bench in the small bare room with no windows and a single door. It was originally a store room, located in the basement but now served a different purpose. “Flawlessly.” He added. She didn’t respond and closed her eyes as her lip quivered. Blackwood watched her for a moment, “Still stubborn and prideful as ever I see.” He said. HE stood walking over and crouching down next to her.
            “Perhaps in your mind, you believe your God is worth dying for. But you aren’t going to die, Katherine. You’ll suffer greatly and wish for death with every fiber of your being, but it won’t come.” He paused a moment before adding to his statement, “You must miss our son.” This caught her attention and her eyes opened looking up at him. “You’ll continue to do so. You won’t look on him again until you learn to do as you are told and give tribute where it is demanded. You think you are thirsty now? You’ve only begun to feel the misery that your stubbornness will afford you.”
            Katherine was still quiet before she closed her eyes. Blackwood took this as a sign she wasn’t ready to give in yet and stood walking towards the door.
            “I . . .” Her voice said softly, “I am the servant and handmaiden of the dark . . .lord’s chosen messenger.” Blackwood stopped, turning and looking at her, listening. “I will serve and care for him, seeing to his needs, wants, and desires . . . . while he walks as a wolf among the sheep.” Blackwood half smiled as he walked back to her. He kneeled down and touched her hair before turning her face towards him. “Water?” She pleaded in a whisper.
            Blackwood’s hand came across her face, “Dark Master.” He hissed at her indicating the small part she had misspoken. Then he stood and left the room. Katherine felt helpless as she began to cry.
            Watson listened as she recounted the beginning of the torture that was imposed on her. It was disgraceful and horrific to say the least, but to treat ones wife and the mother of his child in such a manner . . . . Unspeakable. “After that?” Watson asked urging her onward. “Did his punishment ease after you started to cooperate?”
            Katherine’s eyes turned away as she remembered more.
            Katherine sat reading the volumes she had been instructed to study and memorize at the small wooden table and chair that had been added to her dreary confines. Water was given and flowed freely now, no longer withheld or in short supply. However, food was strictly controlled. She had to earn every bite of it, and even then it was a very small amount. To keep her weak, cooperative, and obedient.
            Her skin had grown paler then usual, and she had lost weight where there was no weight to lose since the harsh treatment began. The right side of her face held a huge bruise that she had received when she had been caught on her knees in prayer. The few privileges she had been afforded were immediately revoked and it was as though she had been sent back to the beginning to start all over again. Making her feel it was hopeless to resist Blackwood in even the smallest capacity.
            “Don’t be an alarmed, Katherine.” Blackwood said as he circled her slowly. “I will not require you to make a grand show of your newfound faith, nor will I ask for sacrifices, pledges, or oaths.” He came to a stop beside her, looking towards her face as her eyes remained on the page in front of her. ”You’ve borne me a son, and you will bare many more of my children in the years to come. The pain of childbirth is a fitting and sufficient sacrifice. “Contrary to popular belief, Blackwood did not consider himself a sadist. He did not enjoy seeing Katherine in such great agony and pain, and didn’t take any pleasure in causing her more. However when it came to other people, men and women a like . . . he considered suffering to be mandatory, and ‘good for the soul’ as someone once said.
            A moment passed before Katherine said in a quiet and meek voice, “I’ve read these volumes twice over, My Lord.” She said softly. “May . . . may I see him today?” She asked not raising her eyes towards Blackwood. Her hands shaking a little not sure what his response would be, verbal or physical.
            “I don’t think you’re quite ready for such a visit yet.” He stated.
            “Please,” She whispered, “It’s been weeks since I’ve held him.”
            “He’s being well looked after and cared for. I can assure you of that.” He said simply as though letting her know that was all she was going to get. “You certainly have grown bold today.” He observed. “I notice your eyes are somewhat clearer as well.” Blackwood cocked his head slightly studying her a moment, “Have you had an injection today?”
            Katherine didn’t seem to be able to answer and turned her eyes downward as she shook her head. “No one came by today.”
            “Hmm.” He said. “We’ll see about that.”
            “Must . . . . must I continue with them? They turn my stomach, and I feel sick and dizzy.” She asked.
            “I don’t believe you’re ready to forgo your treatment.” He said. Blackwood leaned down closer to her ear over her shoulder, “Were that the case, you would no longer occupy this room by yourself, and would return to my bed.” His lips were close to her ear as he whispered, “Where you belong.” His eyes moved along the line of her neck and her shoulder, looking down to the line of her dress that just showed a hint of bosom. He pressed his tongue against his teeth as he suppressed the desire to caress her body. More than once he had considered at the very least making a midnight visit to her small confinement, yet somehow made it through the night turning his mind to other matters.
            Katherine leaned forward resting her elbow against the table and leaning her face to her hand. Blackwood kneeled down beside her, “Come now.” He said reaching up and touching her chin turning her face towards him. “Your handwork and cooperation only speeds you on your way to personally seeing to our sons upbringing again.”
            “What have I done to displease you so?” She said in a childlike voice, her eyes pleading with his for reasons why he would treat her so harshly.
            Blackwood studied her face a moment, before reaching up and smoothing her hair a bit with his fingertips. “You were simply . . . misguided from birth my dear.” He said. “Had you not been so incredibly devoted to those beliefs . . . I think things may have been easier on you from the beginning. Now there are harsh lessons to be learned, that cannot be neglected or turned from. Otherwise our son might suffer the same misguidance and confusion.”
            “I’ve only ever wanted to please you.” She said hardly able to get the words out as tears filled her eyes.
            “And you have.” He said, “You’ve been most loyal, honest, and more beautiful then I can ever imagine any other woman being. But you were conflicted, trying to serve two masters. Now you’ll only have one.” Blackwood said before reaching over and pulling one of the other books closer to her and opening it. “Now back to your studies. I’ll see what’s keeping the physicians.” He said.

Awkward Silences
            Katherine had been taking for hours on memories she’d chosen to forgotten. The living nightmare and night terrors that the chemicals she was injected induced. Vows and acts of obedience that made even Watson who was a doctor stomach turn. Now they sat in silence across from each other, he’d given Katherine his handkerchief which she clutched in her hand as her eyes starred downwards.
            “You need rest.” He finally said. “It must be nearly 4am, and you’re exhausted.”
            “I don’t want to sleep ever again.” She whispered.
            Watson stood from his seat and moved closer to her, kneeling down beside her. “You’re safe here.” He said in a gentle voice. “You’ve nothing to fear. No one will harm you, I give you my word.”
            “When I wake, will I find Henry’s eyes starring at me like before when I went with you and your friend.” She said.
            “No.” He promised. “You can rest easy.”

Discussions
            “I wish that hadn’t be necessary.” Watson said.
            “Once or twice the same thought had crossed my mind, but you were successful in your task. As she recalled the memories her words changed. He stopped being Lord Blackwood, and once again became Henry. She no longer views him as a superior except in the role as husband.” Holmes said. “Now she’ll be more amenable. Not a cowering slave girl to Blackwood’s every whim.”
            “She must learn to hide it then. Otherwise he’ll only reinstate the walls that he tortured her to install.” Watson hesitated as if there was something more that he knew or at least suspected that he hadn’t shared as of yet.
            “What is it Watson?” Sherlock wanted to know, wanting all the facts he could aquire. “Is there something more you’ve discovered?”
            “I only suspect.” Watson said not sure if it was something to mention at this point. Holmes waited looking at him wanting to hear his theory. “She’s showing some of the earliest signs of pregnancy. She could be with child again.”
            “Are you certain of this?” Holmes asked.
            “As I said, I only suspect. I didn’t think it appropriate to inquire further about her physical health and her body’s natural functions when we were experimenting with her mind.” Watson answered.
            “Does she participate willingly in the rituals now? More then she did before as she is officially a member of the order I imagine.” Holmes asked.
            “Yes. Actually she did mention that she is an active participant in many of them. She knows all of them by heart, and was sworn to secrecy, but she’s so emotionally comprised right now between exhaustion, your actions and my interrogation, I doubt very much that any of that secretive nonsense is dictating her actions.” Watson said honestly.
            “Has she retired then?” Holmes asked.
            “No. She’s to upset to do so even though I promised her she was safe. I don’t dare give her anything to help her asleep, if she is pregnant then it’s a risk. I’m not her physician I don’t know how she reacts to certain chemicals or medicines. She could have an allergy, or if she’s on something else it could cause a fatal reaction.” Watson said outlining clearly why he wasn’t going to attempt it, or be talked in to attempting it.
            “Well . . . I think perhaps we’ll get further in her emotional state then if she’s had a good night’s rest. Lets continue on as far as we can before sleep over takes her without her consent.” Holmes decided.

What Do You Know
            “I beg your apologies madam, but it was necessary.” Holmes said as Watson poured Katherine a nice hot cup of tea and set it before her.
            “You’ll forgive me Mr. Holmes, but I don’t particularly care for you.” She said not pulling any punches as she looked at him seriously.
            “Understandable. Incredibly so, and I found it quite distasteful to say the least.” Holmes said clearing his throat. “Which is why I can but offer my apologies again.”
            A moment passed before Katherine seemed to soften a little. “I suppose you may have gotten a taste of my wrath already.” She said looking at the wound on his head. “For that I am sorry as well.”
            Watson took this as an incredibly good sign as he looked between the two. He hadn’t the slightest idea how they were ever going to get the three of them back in the room with any sort of civility at the same time.
            “I don’t understand why the two of you would risk your lives to spirit me away again, and I can assure you that Henry . . . . Lord Blackwood . . . .” She seemed a little confused not certain what to call him. “My Husband,” she finally decided was true enough, “Will be extremely angry and want the two of you dead.”
            “Katherine, What do you know about the rituals the order participates in? The murders that were committed, in your studies, what were the reasons behind them?” He inquired.
            “Mr. Holmes,” She began after pausing for a moment, “You must understand that it is not the order which committed murder. The order is dedicated to guiding the world to a more humane path. I’ve learned the good they have done, from stopping war breaking out to ending the famine that would have meant the death of most of the people in the civilized world had it been allowed to continue to grow, even supporting a number of charities. The power they wield is incredible, but it’s a power in this world. Men with means and position uniting together to try and make this place we call home a better one.” She explained. “And they do believe in an unseen spirit or power that makes it possible for them to do these things, but for Good. Not for Evil.”
            “Is that what Lord Blackwood taught you?” Holmes said a bit impressed if that was the case.
            Katherine hesitated again as Goosebumps seem to appear on every inch of her skin. “The books, and spells that he draws from were forbidden by the order. They were locked away, kept in secret and hidden for many centuries. All though most members knew of them and what sort of things they held and feared them ever being read, they had never even opened them to see. Henry was the first. He wasn’t afraid. That fear that seemed to keep the men in the order on their course and task for good . . . . was something that never seemed to affect him.” The way she explained it, it seemed she was confused on that point herself.
            “Now he’s had you read them as well.” Holmes stated, “Having made you to weak physically and mentally to be afraid like all the others.”
            Now she fell completely silent, her eyes wide as she placed her shaking hands against the table to make them still, looking into her tea cup for several long moments. Then she closed her eyes tight and took a breath, she felt as though she was falling and couldn’t catch herself.
            Watson could see this and started to stand, “I think we should continue this later.” He said moving closer to her placing his hand on her back to help steady her.
            “No.” Katherine said, “I’m alright.” She assured him indicating he could sit back down. Watson was hesitant but slowly sat back down in his seat, ready to spring up at a moment’s notice if she started to fall to catch her.
            “You’ve been through quite a lot, and perhaps it isn’t best to press you further until you’ve rested.” Holmes said when Watson gave him a look. “But if you feel you can continue, by all means let us.” Watson glared towards Holmes, and shook his head slightly before looking back towards Katherine.
            “Yes, I’ve read the books.” She said softly finally confirming what Holmes had assumed. “Much of it is in Latin . . . but they taught us Latin from the time we could begin to speak in the orphanage. I could read it, and understood much of it quite well. Perhaps that was why he wanted me to learn them.”
            “A guide for the rituals and ceremonies?” Holmes asked.
            “Spells.” She said softly, her eyes turned downcast. “For summoning the dead, contacting demons, and . . . . and communing with the . . . Dark Master.” She said repeating the words that she had come to know exceptionally well. They figured most prominently in the books. “You can feel the evil pulsing inside them, holding them in your hands. Like a heartbeat, as though they live a life of their own.”
            “I see that the superstitious element that tends to follow all religious groups has been only doubled since your indoctrination.” Holmes said still as skeptical as ever.
            “It’s not superstition, Mr. Holmes.” She said in a definite tone, more serious and more authorities then they had ever heard her speak before. “There is a reason no one in the order wanted those books unleashed on the world. They are key to a limitless . . . and dark power. One that my husband doesn’t shy away from, but amerces himself in it completely.” Her eye turned towards Watson, “Do you have so little faith in your medical abilities, to truly believe he could fool a doctor so that he believed completely and without doubt that he was dead?” She asked.
            Holmes and Watson glanced at each other, as this had been a point of contention for a while and it seemed strange that it was the one thing she’d hit on at this moment. “He had help with that, Madam.” Holmes said, “Two completely different means, the same result. Expensive, rare, and extremely effective in making even a doctor believe that the ‘victim’ was no more.”
            Katherine’s eyes moved to Holmes catching his gaze and holding it there, the serious earnest in her eyes startling even him. “He was dead, inspector. Twice his life was taken by the law, and men of justice’s hands. Twice his life was breathed back into his body, once he could walk free again.” Holmes could see in her eyes that she believed what she was saying was the gospel truth, but he still couldn’t believe in magic’s or spells or anything of the like. He simply decided to shift gears.
            “Human sacrifices are his way of earning favor in the ‘dark masters’ eyes.” Holmes said wanting confirmation to his other assumptions.
            “Yes.” She answered. “With each life he takes, he gains another level of power. He can wield it with more ease each time. Needing less help from spells and rituals to contact the dark arts to aid him and do his bidding.” She looked towards Watson, “He can nearly call on them now with only his words.”
            “Forgive me for being skeptical.” Holmes interrupted, “But I’ve uncovered your husband’s methods and they were incredible feats of science and ingenuity . . . but hardly creations and minions from the great beyond.”
            Katherine sighed and shook her head, “You have no understanding do you.” Her eyes turned to the inspector again, “You will. Now that you and Doctor Watson are so far meshed into the affairs of the order, you will witness firsthand what I’ve spoken of . . . . you’ll have no choice but to believe. “
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Dark Rituals